Firefighters aim to educate public
This week is National Fire Prevention Week and across the nation kids, teachers and adults are being reminded of the importance of practicing safe habits when it comes to fire.
The first National Fire Prevention Day was established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1920 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire. The fire burned in Chicago between October 8 and October 10, 1871; however, most of the damage was done October 9. The tragic event killed more than 300 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres causing more than $200 million in damages.
Although there is no proof, according to legend the Great Chicago Fire was started by a cow. The bovine, belonging to Catherine O’Leary kicked over a lamp setting fire to her barn. From there the fire spread to engulf the City of Chicago. This legend has been the popular belief for more than 150 years, and in 1997, the Chicago City Council passed a resolution exonerating O’Leary and her cow.
It wasn’t until 1922 the National Fire Protection Association (NFTA) proclaimed Fire Prevention Week be observed the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls.
Then in 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the week to be a national observance of public safety, making it the oldest public health observance in the nation.
Every year since the proclamation, firefighters use the week to educate the public including school systems to provide lifesaving guidelines when it comes to fire protection.
This year’s theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” The campaign hopes to promote and educate people about the different sounds smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. The goal of the campaign is that when people hear an alarm they will know how to react and take action.
Locally, the Senatobia Fire Department is making efforts this week to educate the community.
“Senatobia Fire Department is committed to fire prevention education in order to help reduce the cause of fires in our community and to protect our citizens from fire related injuries.” the department released in a statement.
SFD also offers a variety of programs to the community.
“We offer fire prevention programs for all ages. You can schedule a program for your school, social group or ask questions about ways to protect your home and family from fire danger by contacting Chantay Rhone at 662-562-5631 or email: firedept@cityofsenatobia.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.”
